Many parents still struggle to accept their children if they don't conform to traditional gender norms: Monika Singh

 
Monika Singh, who was last seen in Tulsi Dham Ke Laddu Gopal, believes that though our country has progressed in terms of accepting the LGBTQIA+ community, we still have a long way to go. She said, “Although progress has been made, acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in India still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, many parents still struggle to accept their children if they don't conform to traditional gender norms, and this lack of acceptance can lead to unequal treatment.”
 
“I have several friends from this community who have faced similar challenges. Moreover, some individuals pretend to be allies but don't genuinely support the cause,” she added.
 
She feels that people who are still in the closet or choose to keep their sexual and gender identities hidden deserve more understanding and space. She said that organisations should be established to provide a safe platform for discussions and support. She added, “Despite their talents, many individuals from the LGBTQ+ community face rejection and discrimination. A system needs to be put in place to address this issue, especially in cities and villages where discussing sexuality is still taboo. Personally, I know people who hide their true identities and pretend to be someone else, and it's heartbreaking.”
 
Monika also pointed out that social media has played a significant role in raising awareness about LGBTQIA+ by providing a platform for people to share their stories and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. However, she mentioned that our movies still need to do a lot of work to create awareness.
 
“Movies should promote empathy and understanding to help break down barriers and foster acceptance. I recently watched the movie Bol, featuring Atif Aslam, which was both impactful and heartbreaking. To create more awareness and end the stigma surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues, we need open and honest communication both online and offline. Only then can we dispel these harmful myths and create a more inclusive society,” she ended.